How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Omalizumab belongs to a group of medications known as antibody neutralizers. It is used to treat allergic asthma, a particular type of asthma that is triggered by allergens such as cat or dog dander, dust mites, or cockroaches. It is also used to treat moderate-to-severe allergic asthma when inhaled corticosteroids are not providing adequate control. Allergic asthma causes the release of a chemical in the body called IgE (immunoglobulin E). Omalizumab works by blocking IgE.

Omalizumab is used to decrease the number of asthma attacks and reduce the symptoms associated with asthma. It is important to understand that omalizumab should not be used to relieve an asthma attack once it has started. Asthma sufferers should always have their fast-acting asthma relief medication on hand to deal with attacks.

Omalizumab is also used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) that has not responded to treatment with antihistamines.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

For the treatment of asthma, the recommended dose of omalizumab for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 150 mg to 375 mg given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every 2 or 4 weeks. The dose is determined by body weight and the level of IgE in the body. Each dose is given as 1, 2, or 3 injections and is usually administered by a doctor or nurse.

Omalizumab is usually added to the other medications you are taking for asthma. Do not stop taking any asthma medications without speaking with your doctor. If you feel your asthma symptoms are not improving or are getting worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

For the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria,the recommended dose of omalizumab for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 150 mg or 300mg given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every 4 weeks. Each dose is given as 1 or 2 injections and is usually administered by a doctor or nurse.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important this medication be given exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive omalizumab, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store this medication in the refrigerator and avoid freezing it. Once the medication has been prepared, the solution should be used immediately. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to omalizumab or any ingredients of the medication.

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

dizziness

headache

irritation at the site of injection

sore throat

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

hives or rash

muscle or bone pain

signs of Churg-Strauss syndrome (e.g., pain, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, raised patches in the skin, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss)

signs of a stroke (e.g., numbness or weakness in arm, leg or any part of the body, loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden headache, difficulty speaking or breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Acute asthma attacks: The effectiveness of omalizumab in treating acute asthma attacks has not been established. Omalizumab should not be used to treat an acute asthma attack.

Cancer: Although early studies comparing those taking this medication and those not taking this medication showed a small difference in the percentage of people developing cancer, additional observation and studies have shown that this is not the case.

Corticosteroid withdrawal: Oral or inhaled corticosteroids for asthma should not be stopped suddenly when treatment with omalizumab is started. Decreases in corticosteroid doses should be performed under the direct supervision of a doctor. Check with your doctor before stopping or decreasing the dose of any of your asthma medications.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Heart problems: Omalizumab has been linked to heart problems, although the exact frequency with which this happens is not clear. If you have any heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure or a history of heart attack, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Omalizumab has not been studied for use by people with kidney problems. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Omalizumab has not been studied for use by people with liver problems.If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.

Parasite infections: This medication may weaken your resistance to parasite infections. If you are living in or travelling to a region where parasite infections are frequent, discuss with your doctor any special precautions that may be needed.

Serum sickness: Rarely, serum sickness can occur with the use of omalizumab. This is a delayed allergic reaction that can happen at any time during treatment with this medication and occurs between 1 and 5 days after an injection. If you experience painful joints or muscles, swollen lymph nodes with a rash and fever, contact your doctor immediately.

Severe allergic reactions: Although rare, severe allergic reactions to omalizumab may occur. After your injection, the doctor may ask you to remain at the office or clinic for a short period of time. This way, if you do have an allergic reaction, medical attention will be nearby.

If you experience sudden difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling of the throat or tongue, or severe dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position), get medical attention immediately.

Stroke: Although rare, there is the possibility of experiencing a stroke when using omalizumab. If you have a history of stroke or are at risk of stroke, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience weakness or inability to move arms, legs or face, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding, loss of vision, or sudden headache, get medical attention immediately.

Pregnancy: Omalizumab has not been studied for use by pregnant women. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether omalizumab is passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Omalizumab has been studied for use by children aged 12 and older. The safety and effectiveness of omalizumab have not been established for use by children under the age of 12.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between omalizumab and any of the following:

BCG

denosumab

echinacea

leflunomide

live vaccines

natalizumab

pimecrolimus

roflumilast

tacrolimus

tofactitinib

trastuzumab

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,

change one of the medications to another,

change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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